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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Elliot Williams

ACT government commits to fixing road where cyclist Mike Hall died

The ACT government has committed to improving the road where endurance cyclist Mike Hall was struck by a car and killed, but has stopped short of strengthening requirements for lights on bikes.

Endurance cyclist Mike Hall, who was killed on the Monaro Highway in March 2017 cycling towards Canberra. Picture: Supplied

In March 2017 Mike Hall was cycling between Cooma and Canberra, as part of the Indian Pacific Wheel Race from Perth to Sydney.

He was struck from behind by a car at 6.20am on the Monaro Highway near the intersection with Williamsdale Road.

Coroner Bernadette Boss released her findings in February and on Thursday minister for roads Shane Rattenbury released the government's response to the findings.

Dr Boss made six recommendations including a review be conducted of the area where Mr Hall was hit, for the government to consider speed limits on the road and that legislation should be amended regarding requirements for cyclist to display lights.

The government commissioned a review of the intersection where Mr Hall was hit which found a number of faults at the site.

Some of the faults included polished and rutted pavement, faded markings and the reflective markers were damaged and did not adequately reflect.

These were being progressed through the road maintenance program, the government confirmed.

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Another report assessed the speed limits at major intersections along the ACT section of the Monaro Highway. It found that the speed limits were acceptable and therefore will not be changed.

Mr Rattenbury wrote to Standards Australia for it to prioritise a review of a standard relating to bicycle lighting.

Dr Boss recommended the legislation be amended to require cyclists display a flashing rear light when riding in low light conditions on rural roads.

However, the government decided against any changes as it believed the current legislation adequately covered the issue.

The ACT road rules dictate that a cyclist must display a flashing or steady white front light and a flashing or steady red rear light, both visible for at least 200 metres, when riding at night or in hazardous weather conditions.

The government argued singling out rural roads could create more confusion for cyclists when riding in urban areas.

Cyclists must also display a rear red reflector when riding at night or in hazardous weather conditions visible for 50 metres, and the government believed this adequately responded to Dr Boss' final recommendation regarding reflectors.

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